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River

Crystal Creek

Class

Cascade

Size

Medium

Visitability

Outstanding

Accessibility

Free

Activity

Moderate

Walk Time

5min

Trail

Wheelchair Accessible

Gorge Access

Moderate

Other Trails

lots

County

Algoma

Follow Hwy 17 north from Sault Ste Marie. Just past the edge of the city, turn right on to Sixth Line and follow this road for about 2 km. The road makes a full right turn and goes south for a few hundred meters before reaching the entrance to Kinsman Park. If the gate is closed, you will need to park here and walk in for about 10 minutes. Follow the driveway through the woods, and down the hill to the big parking lot near the pond. Follow the short trail to the left (north, upstream) to Crystal Falls. When you return, take the short trail south from the parking lot to Minniehaha Falls.

Settlement

Sault Ste. Marie

NTS Map

41 K/9

Easting

708850

Northing

5163315

UTM Zone

This is pretty waterfall that is easy to visit, even for the non-adventurer. A sturdy boardwalk and wooden staircase have been constructed to, beside and above this waterfall. Unlike other sites, however, the boardwalk does not ruin the atmosphere. This falls is located just minutes from the city, and seconds from a major park, yet is remarkably rugged and peaceful. The falls is located in the Kinsmen Park, which borders the much larger Hiawatha Highlands Conservation Area, where a 35 km long network of trails could keep you busy hiking for hours.

The waterfall is perhaps 15 m high, although as a cascade-form, the drop occurs over 40-50 m in distance. Parts of the waterfall are a 45-60 degree angle. At the base of the waterfall, the river falls into a rock lined basin, sort of like a natural jaccuzi tub. Swimming is prohibited here, for obvious safety reasons.

This waterfall is covered in more detail in the print version of "Waterfalls of Ontario.